Floor care apparatus equipped with brush assembly

ABSTRACT

A floor care apparatus includes a vacuum cleaning unit having a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel. The floor care apparatus also includes a wand assembly having a wand element and a flexible hose. A brush member is carried on the wand element. The brush member is freely slidable along the wand element between a storage position and a use position. A lock ring is provided on the brush member. The lock ring is rotatable with respect to the brush member between a locking position and an unlocked position.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY OF THE INVENTION

This document relates generally to the floor care equipment field and, more particularly, to a new and improved floor care apparatus equipped with an easy to use brush assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Floor care apparatus such as upright vacuum cleaners, canister vacuum cleaners and extractors have long been known in the art. It has also long been known to equip such floor care apparatus with specialty cleaning tools designed for particular applications such as cleaning upholstery, drapes, crevices and the like. This document describes a floor care apparatus equipped with a new and improved brush assembly that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and particularly easy to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the purposes and advantages as described herein a novel floor care apparatus is provided. The floor care apparatus comprises a body including a nozzle assembly and a handle assembly. A suction inlet is carried on the nozzle assembly. A suction generator and a dirt collection vessel are both carried on the body. In addition, the floor care apparatus includes a wand assembly carried on the body. The wand assembly includes a wand element and a flexible hose. A brush member is carried on the wand element. The brush member is displaceable between a storage position and a use position.

A lock ring is carried on the brush member. The lock ring is displaceable between a locking position and an unlocking position. In addition, a first locking notch and a second locking notch are provided on the wand element. Further, a cooperating locking rib is provided on the lock ring. When the brush member is in the storage position and the lock ring is in the locking position, the locking rib engages the first locking notch to positively secure the brush member in the use position. When the brush member is in the use position and the lock ring is in the lock position, the locking rib engages the second locking notch to positively secure the brush member in the use position. In contrast, when the lock ring is in the unlocking position the brush member is displaceable between the storage and use positions.

Alternatively, the floor care apparatus may be described as comprising a vacuum cleaning unit including a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel, a wand assembly including a wand element and a flexible hose and a brush member carried on the wand element. The brush member is freely slidable along the wand element between a storage position and a use position. Further, a locking ring is provided on the brush member. The locking ring is rotatable with respect to the brush member between a locking position and an unlocking position.

In the following description there is shown and described a brush assembly, simply by way of illustration of one of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the brush assembly is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the floor care apparatus and brush assembly and together with the description serve to explain certain principles of the device. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of a floor care apparatus including a novel brush assembly;

FIG. 2 is a schematical illustration of the floor care apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the wand element illustrating the first and second locking notches;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the lock ring illustrating the locking rib;

FIG. 5 a is a side elevational view of the brush member in the storage position on the wand element;

FIG. 5 b is a perspective view of the brush member in the use position on the wand element;

FIG. 6 a is a cross sectional view along line CC of FIG. 5 a illustrating the lock ring in the locking position;

FIG. 6 b is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 6 a but illustrating the lock ring in the unlocking position;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structures that allow connection of the locking ring to the brush member and the brush member to the wand element; and

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b are respective end elevational views illustrating the series of cooperating spaced flanges that allow connection of the locking ring to the brush member while allowing for relative rotational movement of the locking ring between the locking and unlocking positions.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating an upright vacuum cleaner 10 having a body 12 including a nozzle assembly 14 and a handle assembly 16. The handle assembly 16 is pivotally connected to the nozzle assembly 14. A suction generator 22 is carried on the nozzle assembly 14.

As schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, dirt collection vessel 24 is both carried on the handle assembly 16. Further, the dirt collection vessel 24 comprises a dirt cup 26 with a lid and handle 27. The dirt cup 26 includes a cylindrical outer wall 28, equipped with a tangentially directed inlet 30, and an axially directed outlet 32 covered by a filtering screen or shroud 34. This configuration comprises a primary cyclone for separating dirt and debris from the airstream.

The airstream then passes through a secondary cyclone assembly, generally designated by reference numeral 36, which removes any remaining fine particles from the airstream before the airstream is exhausted from the dirt collection vessel 24 to travel by means of conduit 38 to the suction generator 22.

It should be appreciated that other types of dirt collection vessels 24 may be provided on the vacuum cleaner 10 including simple dirt cups without cyclonic cleaning action as well as a standard state-of-the-art vacuum cleaner bag contained in a bag compartment within the body 12 of the vacuum cleaner 10.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, the nozzle assembly 14 includes an airstream conduit 38 having a suction inlet 40 at one end and an airstream outlet 42 at the other end. A rotary agitator 44 equipped with cleaning projections such as bristle tufts 46 is carried on the nozzle assembly and extends across a suction inlet 40. The suction generator 22 includes a suction motor 23 that is also carried on the nozzle assembly 14 and is operatively connected to the agitator by an appropriate power takeoff such as a drive belt or gear arrangement.

During operation the rotary agitator 44 is driven by the suction motor 23 at high speeds to beat dirt and debris from the nap of an underlying carpet to be cleaned. That dirt and debris is entrained in the airstream being drawn through the suction inlet 40 by the suction generator 22. The airstream with the entrained dirt and debris passes through the airstream outlet 42 and then travels through a flexible hose 49 to the airstream fitting (not shown) provided on the handle assembly 16. The fitting directs the airstream into the tangentially directed inlet 30 of the dirt collection vessel 24. Dirt and debris in the airstream is captured in the dirt collection vessel 24 and relatively clean air is then exhausted from the dirt cup and delivered to the intake side of the suction generator 22. The airstream then passes through the motor of the suction generator 22 so as to provide cooling before being discharged through an exhaust port 48.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the upright vacuum cleaner 10 is equipped with a wand assembly 50 including a wand element 52 and a flexible hose 54. As illustrated, the wand element 52 is received and held in the fitting 56 carried on the handle assembly 16 and the end of the flexible hose 54 opposite the wand element 52 is secured to the fitting that leads directly to the tangentially directed inlet 30 of the dirt cup 26. Thus, during normal upright vacuum cleaner operation dirt and debris drawn through the suction inlet 40 travels through the fitting 56, the wand element 52, the flexible hose 54 and the second fitting to the tangentially directed inlet 30 of the dirt cup 26. When the operator needs to perform a specialty cleaning operation such as, for example, vacuuming dirt and crumbs from an upholstered chair, the wand element 52 is withdrawn from the fitting 56 and the open end of the wand element serves as a suction inlet for the cleaning task.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 a, 5 b, 6 a and 6 b, the wand element 52 is equipped with a novel brush assembly 60. The wand element 52 is generally formed as a cylindrical tube with an internal air passageway 53. As illustrated in FIG. 3 the wand element 52 includes a flat surface section 62. A first locking notch 64 extends across the flat portion section 62 and across the edge 66 that forms a border between the flat surface section 62 and the cylindrical sidewall 68 of the wand element 52. Thus, the first locking notch 64 also extends partially into the cylindrical sidewall 68. A second locking notch 70 is spaced from the first locking notch and extends through the edge 66 in the same manner.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrating a brush member 72 that is carried on the wand element 52. The brush member 72 is tubular and is concentrically received over the wand element 52. The brush member 72 includes a suction opening 74. A series of bristle tufts 76 project from the brush member 72 around the suction opening 74.

A lock ring 80 is captured on the end of the brush member 72 opposite the suction opening 74 and bristle tufts 76. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the lock ring 80 includes a locking rib 82 that is sized and shaped to engage in either of the first and second locking notches 64, 70 in order to secure the brash member 72 in the storage position illustrated in FIG. 5 a or the use position illustrated in FIG. 5 b. More specifically, the wand element 52 includes a longitudinal axis L. The brush member 72 slides along the longitudinal axis L of the wand element 52 between the storage and use positions. The lock ring 80 is rotated on the brush member 72 between locking and unlocking positions.

When the wand assembly 50 is used for a specialty cleaning application, the wand element 52 is withdrawn from the fitting 56. At this time the brush member 72 is secured in the storage position illustrated in FIG. 5 a. In order to displace the brush member 72 from the storage position shown in FIG. 5 a to the use position shown in FIG. 5 b, the operator first rotates the lock ring 80 with respect to the brush member 72 so that the lock ring is moved from the locking position to the unlocking position. When this is done, the locking rib 82 that was previously engaged in the first locking notch 64 of the wand element 52 is rotated out of the portion of the first notch in the cylindrical sidewall 68 to overly the flat surface section 62, The flat surface section 62 provides the necessary clearance for the locking rib 82 in the unlocked position to allow the brush member 72 to be translated along the longitudinal axis L of the wand element 52 from the storage position illustrated in FIG. 5 a to the use position illustrated in FIG. 5 b. As should be appreciated, in this position, the suction opening 74 and bristle tufts 76 of the brush member 72 project beyond the end of the wand element 52. Once in the use position, the operator rotates the lock ring 80 in the opposite direction so that the locking rib 82 is rotated into the portion of the second notch 70 that projects into the cylindrical sidewall 68 where it engages in that notch and functions to lock the brush member 72 in the use position

After completing the cleaning task, the operator once again rotates the lock ring 80 so as to withdraw the locking rib 82 from the portion of the second locking notch 70 extending into the cylindrical sidewall 68 of the wand element 52 so that the locking rib 82 is again aligned with the flat surface sections 62. With the locking rib 82 in this disengaged position, the operator may now slide the brush member 72 along the wand element 52 retracting the brush member into the storage position (see FIG. 5 a). The operator then rotates the lock ring 80 once again to reengage the locking rib 82 in the portion of the first locking notch 64 formed in the cylindrical sidewall 68 of the wand element 52. This functions to again lock the brush member 72 in the storage position.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7, 8 a and 8 b which illustrate the structures that allow connection of the lock ring 80 onto the brush member 72 and the brush member onto the wand element 52. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 a, the end of the brush member 72 opposite the suction opening 74 includes a first series of spaced flanges 90 and a locking ring mounting groove 92 between the flanges 90 and the shoulder 94. As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 b, the lock ring 80 includes a second series of spaced flanges 96.

The four flanges 90 on the brush member 72 each extend through an arc of about 42 to 44 degrees and each flange is spaced from the next flange by an arc of about 46 to 48 degrees. The four flanges 96 provided on the lock ring 80 are similarly constructed. The lock ring 80 is connected to the brush member 72 by aligning the second flanges 96 with the openings between the flanges 90 and positioning the flanges 96 into the mounting groove 92. The lock ring 80 is then twisted through an arc of about 40 degrees to bring the second flanges 96 behind the first flanges 90 thereby capturing the locking ring 80 on the brush member 72.

Next the brush member 72 is secured onto the wand element 52. Specifically, the brush member 72 with attached lock ring 80 is positioned over the inlet end 98 of the wand element 52 and pushed further on until the internal shoulder 98 snaps over the stops 100 (only one illustrated in FIG. 8). The cam surface 102 of each stop 100 allows the shoulder 98 to pass over the stop and thereby snap the brush member 72 onto the wand element 52. In contrast, the shoulder 104 on the opposite side of each stop 100 restricts the passage of the shoulder 98 in the opposite direction thereby maintaining the brush member 72 on the wand element 52.

It should also be appreciated that the flat section 62 and locking notches 64, 70 restrict rotational motion of the lock ring 80 to an arc of about 20 degrees. This ensures that the flanges 96 on the lock ring 80 are maintained and captured in the mounting groove 92 behind the flanges 90. As a result, the lock ring 80 may be freely rotated between the locking and unlocking positions while also being maintained on the end of the brush member 72.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled. The drawings and preferred embodiments do not and are not intended to limit the ordinary meaning of the claims in their fair and broad interpretation in any way. 

1. A floor care apparatus, comprising: a body including a nozzle assembly and a handle assembly; a suction inlet carried on said nozzle assembly; a suction generator carried on said body; a dirt collection vessel carried on said body; a wand assembly carried on said body, said wand assembly including a wand element and a flexible hose; a brush member carried on said wand element, said brush member being displaceable between a storage position and a use position; a lock ring carried on said brush member, said lock ring being displaceable between a locking position and an unlocking position; a first locking notch and a second locking notch provided on said wand element; and a cooperating locking rib provided on said lock ring; wherein (1) when said brush member is in said storage position and said lock ring is in said locking position, said locking rib engages said first locking notch to positively secure said brush member in said storage position; (2) when said brush member is in said use position and said lock ring is in said lock position, said locking rib engages said second locking notch to positively secure said brush member in said use position; and (3) when said lock ring is in said unlocking position said brush member is displaceable between said storage and use positions.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wand element includes a cylindrical surface section and a flat surface section and said first and second notches extend into both of said sections.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wand element includes a longitudinal axis and said brush member slides along said longitudinal axis between said storage position and said use position.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said lock ring is rotated on said brush member between said locking and unlocking positions.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further including bristle tufts on said wand element.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said brush member includes a suction opening and said bristle tufts are provided around said suction opening.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wand element includes a cylindrical surface section and a flat surface section and said first and second notches extend into both of said sections; wherein said wand element includes a longitudinal axis and said brush member slides along said longitudinal axis between said storage position and said use position; and said lock ring is rotated on said brush member between said locking and unlocking positions.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said nozzle assembly and canister assembly are pivotally connected together.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said dirt collection vessel is a dirt cup.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said brush member is concentrically received over said wand element and said lock ring is concentrically received over said brush member.
 11. A floor care apparatus, comprising: a vacuum cleaning unit including a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel; a wand assembly including a wand element and a flexible hose; a brush member carried on said wand element, said brush member being freely slidable along said wand element between a storage position and a use position; and a lock ring on said brush member, said lock ring being rotatable with respect to said brush member between a locking position and un unlocking position.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, further including bristle tufts on said wand element.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said wand element includes a first series of spaced flanges and a lock ring mounting groove and said lock ring includes a second series of spaced flanges received in said lock ring mounting groove behind said first series of spaced flanges.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said wand element further includes a stop that engages said brush member and retains said brush member on said wand element.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12, Wherein said brush member includes a suction opening and said bristle tufts are provided around said suction opening.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said nozzle assembly and canister assembly are pivotally connected together.
 17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said dirt collection vessel is a dirt cup.
 18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said brush member is concentrically received over said wand element and said lock ring is concentrically received over said brush member. 